The multi-domain hybrid boundary node method for 3D elasticity

In this paper, a multi-domain technique for 3D elasticity problems is derived from the hybrid boundary node method (Hybrid BNM). The Hybrid BNM is based on the modified variational principle and the Moving Least Squares (MLS) approximation. It does not require a boundary element mesh, neither for the purpose of interpolation of the solution variables nor for the integration of energy. This method can reduce the human-labor costs of meshing, especially for complex construction. This paper presents a further development of the Hybrid BNM for multi-domain analysis in 3D elasticity. Using the equilibrium and continuity conditions on the interfaces, the final algebraic equation is obtained by assembling the algebraic equation for each single sub-domain. The proposed multi-domain technique is capable to deal with interface and multi-medium problems and results in a block sparsity of the coefficient matrix. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed multi-domain technique. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.